Immigration news and insights provided by Paul Szeto LLC - a former INS attorney and an experienced immigration practitioner - who can be reached at 732-632-9888, http://www.1visa1.com/ (All information is not legal advice and is subject to change without prior notice.)

A blog about U.S. immigration matters by Paul Szeto, a former INS attorney and an experienced immigration attorney and counsel. Contact Info: 732-632-9888,http://www.1visa1.com/(All information is not legal advice and is subject to change without prior notice.)

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Premium Processing Available to H-1B CAP Filings

USCIS has confirmed in a stakeholder phone conference today that premium processing services will be available this year (FY2019) for H-1B cap cases.

Premium Processing Service provides expedited processing for certain employment-based petitions and applications. Specifically, USCIS guarantees a 15-calendar-day processing schedule to those petitioners or applicants who pay for an additional fee of $1225. The 15-day will start from a designated date after April 1st for cap H-1B filings. It means that USCIS will either approve, deny or issue a Request for Evidence or Intent to Deny notice within 15 days or they will refund the money. There is a also designated phone number and email address for inquiries at USCIS for premium cases.

Regular processing of H-1B cap cases can take months to process. For instance, USCIS is still adjudicating some cap cases filed in April 2017.